Traction Reducing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus designed for retrofitting existing golf shoes. The disclosed apparatus is positioned on the outsole of the golf shoe worn on the golfer&#39;s back foot in the area which is below the big toe and the first and second metatarsal bones. The apparatus includes a traction reduction element and a connecting means. The traction reduction element includes a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. The connecting means is positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for the purpose of connecting the apparatus to the outsole.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to golf shoes, and more particularly to a traction reducing apparatus.

In executing a golf swing correctly, it is important that the golfer end up facing the target. Unfortunately, many golfers cannot successfully make this movement when they are wearing a standard pair of spiked or cleated golf shoes because the spikes or cleats of the shoes root their feet to the ground. Restraining movement of the golfer's back foot makes it difficult for the average golfer to make the proper turn during the golf swing so that his body is properly facing toward the target at the end of the swing. However, it is important for both the safety of the golfer and maintenance of good form, that a high degree of traction be maintained under his feet.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, disclosed below is an apparatus designed to be used in connection with the outsole of a golf shoe which is worn on a golfer's back foot. The apparatus is positioned on the portion of the outsole below the big toe in the area occupied by the first and second metatarsal bones. The apparatus includes a traction reduction element and a connecting means. The traction reduction element includes a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. The connecting means is positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for the purpose of connecting the apparatus to the outsole.

The various features of novelty are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 a is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 1 b is a bottom view of the embodiment of the disclosed apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 c is a side view of the embodiment of the disclosed apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1 d is a side view of another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 2 a is a top view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of the embodiment of the disclosed apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 a and a bottom view of a golf cleat;

FIG. 2 c is a side view of the embodiment of the disclosed apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 2 d is a side view of an additional embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 2 e is a sectional side view of yet another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 2 f is a sectional side view of a further embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 3 a is a plan view of a back golf shoe belonging to a right handed golfer fitted with the embodiment of disclosed apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1 a-1 d;

FIG. 3 b is a plan view of a back golf shoe belonging to a right handed golfer fitted with the embodiment of disclosed apparatus depicted in FIGS. 2 a-2 e;

FIG. 3 c is a bottom view of a back golf shoe belonging to a right handed golfer fitted with the embodiment of the disclosed apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 f;

FIG. 3 d is a bottom view of a back golf shoe belonging to a right handed golfer fitted with yet another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 4 a is a plan view of golf shoes belonging to a right handed golfer configured in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus; and

FIG. 4 b is a front sectional view (through A-A in FIG. 4 a) of golf shoes belonging to a right handed golfer configured in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosed apparatus depicted in FIG. 4 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Golf shoes are designed to provide good traction in order to prevent the golfer from losing his or her balance. The modern golf shoe generally has between 7 and 9 removable and replaceable golf cleats. Conventional Golf cleats are mostly made from plastic and each have several (usually between 5 and 9) downward projecting prongs for firmly gripping the ground or turf. The studs are designed to afford the golf shoe a good grip on both grass and in bunkers so as to provide a steady, non-slip platform from which to hit consistent shots. As a result, the design of conventional golf shoes and cleats actually prevent the foot turning.

In a standard pair of golf shoes, both the right and the left shoes have symmetrical cleat arrangements. This is the case even though the leading foot and the back foot need to behave very differently when hitting long shots. In order to perform a proper golf swing, the front foot needs to be steady, the shoulders need to turn over 180 degrees, the torso also must turn and the back foot needs to pivot to allow these movements.

During a golf swing, upon impact with the ball and during the follow through there is maximum pressure on the area below the big toe near the first and second metatarsal bones. Thus, during these two portions of the swing cycle, the area of the ball of the back foot experiences the highest pressures. This causes the cleat or cleats in this vicinity to grasp the ground particularly hard. Therefore, it follows that standard golf shoes with conventional cleat arrangements resist this movement which is necessary for a proper swing.

The follow through is very important in the drive and long iron/fairway wood shots as this is when your body is supposed to turn and face the target at the end of the swing. If the body does not turn properly, it is likely that a golfer will not complete their follow through. This usually results in the loss of club head speed and causes the golfer to push the ball right of the target. Furthermore, preventing the back foot from pivoting also puts strain on the tendons and muscles in the ankle and calf.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a-1 d, the simplest form of the disclosed apparatus (10) includes a traction reduction element (20) and a connecting means (30). The traction reduction element (20) has a top surface (22) and a smooth bottom surface (24). The bottom surface (24) is completely smooth. That is it contains absolutely no ground gripping or traction features (e.g., spikes, prongs or cleats) or friction increasing features (e.g., treads). The connecting means (30) is provided on the top surface (22) of the traction reduction element (20) and it connects the apparatus (10) to the bottom of a golfer's shoe worn on the back foot (90) as illustrated in FIG. 3 a. As will be discussed in greater detail below, both the traction reduction element (20) and the connecting means (30) can be embodied in several ways and can take several forms.

As shown in FIG. 3 a-3 d, the apparatus (10) is designed to be positioned on the bottom surface of a golfer's shoe (90), commonly referred to as the outsole (92), which is being worn on the golfer's back foot. The back foot is the foot which is furthest from the golfer's intended target. Thus, for left handed golfers the apparatus (10) is positioned on the outsole (92) of the shoe worn on the left foot. Similarly, for right handed golfers the apparatus (10) is positioned on the outsole (92) of the shoe worn on the right foot.

As further shown in FIG. 3 a-3 d. the apparatus (10) is specifically positioned at a location which will be referred to as the upper first and second metatarsal region (100). That is, the point below the big toe, starting at the joint between the Proximal phalanx of the big toe and the first metatarsal and including the area occupied by the first and second metatarsal bones of the foot. A good portion of the ball of the foot falls within this region (100). However, the ball of the foot also has a portion that is outside of this region (100), particularly the region of the ball that is occupied by the third, fourth and fifth metatarsal.

When the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) experiences the high pressures during ball impact and the follow through, by placing the traction reduction element (20) at this location, there is nothing there to grip the ground. As a result, the back shoe does not resist the turning motion, the golfer's back foot easily pivots and the golfer is able to pivot and face the target with much greater ease.

Thus, the disclosed apparatus (10) facilitates rather than resists the pivoting of the back foot (90), thus, making it easier for the average golfer to rotate his body correctly when hitting the ball with a driver, fairway wood or long iron, resulting in longer and straighter shots. Furthermore, it reduces the strains and chances of injury. Also, because of its specific positioning, a good grip is still maintained under all other areas of the foot.

For a golfer using golf shoes that have replaceable cleats, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 d can be retrofitted to an existing pair of golf shoes. Thus, these embodiments of the disclosed apparatus (10) can be referred to as replacement studs (10).

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 c and 1 d, the smooth bottom surface (24) of the disclosed apparatus (10) can be either flat (24 b) or slightly convex (24 a). When configured with a flat bottom surface (24 b), the bottom edges of the traction reduction element (24) can be rounded (28) so that the edges are less likely to get caught on the ground.

Like most conventional golf cleats, the embodiments in FIGS. 1 a-1 d are circular in shape. However, the replacement stud embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) can be any shape which substantially reduces the traction below the upper first and second metatarsal region (100), facilitates pivoting and thus makes it easier for the golfer to face the target at the end of the swing. For example, it is entirely possible for the apparatus to be square, rectangular or elliptical in shape.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 c, the traction reduction element (20) has a height (A) and a diameter (B). These parameters should match the parameters of the analogous element of the particular type of cleat that the shoes are fitted with. For example, the bottom portion of many commonly used golf cleats have a height of ¼ of an inch and a diameter of between one and one and ¼ inches. Thus, when used in connection with such studs, the traction reduction element (20) should have a height (A) of ¼ inch and a diameter (B) of between one and one and ¼ inches. This reduces the degree to which the golfer's foot is uneven when walking and engaging in the golf swing.

However, it is likely that there are cleats having different measurements and when the apparatus (10) is used in connection with different size cleats, the traction reduction element (20) could have different parameters than mentioned above and still accomplish its intended purpose.

Moving on, the connecting means (30) can be any number of different mechanisms that are now known or later developed. For example, a non-exhaustive list of other viable alternatives include a Q-fit™ system, a Q-Lok™ system, a Fast Twist system, a traditional male/female threading system and a PINS™ (Performance Insert System) cleat fitting system. Most cleat fitting systems have at least two components to them. Either a male (72) or a female (74) treading like the illustration in FIG. 3 a, or some form of complementary shaped locking elements. However, the connecting means (30), could be made from any now known or later developed connection systems which have either more or fewer components.

If the apparatus (10) has a connection means which may require that the replacement stud be tightened, then as shown in FIG. 1 b, the smooth bottom surface (24) of the traction reduction element can be provided with two spaced apart holes (26) which can be used in connection with the working end of a cleat tightening tool to aid a golfer in affixing and tightening the apparatus to the golf shoe (90). Although the exact spacing and location of the holes (26) are dependent upon the tool it is meant to accommodate, FIG. 1 b provides the holes (26) at equal distance from the center of the smooth bottom surface (24) of the traction reduction element (20) and they are at a distance (E) of ½ an inch from each other.

As shown in FIG. 1 c, the connecting means (30) has a height (C) and a diameter (D). Just as with the traction reduction element (20), the connecting means (30) should have the same parameters as the analogous element on the studs it is used in connection with. Although FIG. 1 c shows the connecting means (30) as having a height of ⅛ inch and a diameter of between ⅜ inch and ⅝ inch, it is possible for those figures to vary without going outside of the scope of the disclosed apparatus (10).

Furthermore, because the replaceable cleats on golf shoes are in fixed positions, the replacement stud embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) should be used in place of the cleat which is closest to the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) of the golf shoe (90) worn on the golfer's back foot. If there are several golf cleat/studs located within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) then the golfer can choose the stud which is closest to the joint between the Proximal phalanx of the big toe but not above it.

It should be noted that the apparatus (10) may be manufactured from any suitable material or combination thereof. The traction reduction element (20) can be made from hard rubber, steel or hard and durable plastic. Additionally, the apparatus (10) may easily be assembled from two or more separate pieces and can be manufactured with a twin or single injection mold process.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a, in order to use the replacement stud embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) all a golfer need do is remove the existing golf cleat/stud located at the appropriate location, and replace it with the apparatus (10) as is indicated by arrow (200).

However, the embodiments of the disclosed apparatus (10) show in FIGS. 1 a-1 d can only be used with golf shoes that have cleats that are not molded to the bottom of the shoe, but instead are part of a cleat fitting system. To the contrary, other embodiments can be used in connection with any existing golf cleat wether or not it is removable.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a-2 e and 3 b, in this further embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10), the traction reduction element (20) and the connecting means (30), are integral and together form a unitary wafer (40) which has a top surface (42), a smooth bottom surface (44) and a means (52) for accepting an existing golf cleat's (60) plurality of downward projecting prongs (66).

For the embodiments in FIGS. 2 a-2 d, the means (52) for accepting the plurality of prongs (66) consists of a plurality of indentations (48). The existing cleat (60) shown in FIG. 2 b has six prongs (66) in its plurality of prongs, thus the wafer (40) used in connection with it must have six indentations in its plurality of indentations (48). That is, the number of indentations in the plurality of indentations (48) will vary depending upon how many downward projecting prongs (66) the golf cleat (60) that it is being used with has.

As mentioned above, golf cleats have between 5 and 8 prongs. Thus, if the golf cleat (60) that the apparatus (10) is used with has 5 prongs then there will be 5 indentations in the plurality of indentations (48). Similarly, if the golf cleat (60) that the apparatus (10) is used with has 8 prongs then there will be 8 indentations in the plurality of indentations (48).

The connecting means in this embodiment is the top surface (42) of the wafer (40) which is provided with adhesive to facilitate attachment to the underbelly (64) of the golf cleat (60) as shown in FIG. 2 b and as indicated by arrow (300). The adhesive used can be any currently known or later developed adhesive which is sufficiently strong so as to cause the unitary wafer (40) to remain fixed to the underbelly (64) of the golf cleat (60) while experiencing forces normally created by playing the game of golf over an extended period of time.

Because this embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) must be fixed to the underbelly (64) of a golf cleat (60) its shape is dictated by the shape of the golf cleat it is used with. That being said, although most cleats are curcular, if there were an odd shaped cleat with an odd shaped underbelly, the apparatus (10) could be configured in the shape that would be necessary for it to attach properly to that underbelly (64).

In many commonly used golf cleats, the distance between its underbelly (64) and the bottom of its prongs is ⅛ of an inch. Therefore, because we want to reduce traction by not allowing the prongs (66) to dig into and then grip the ground, the wafer (40) should have a thickness (T) of at least ⅛ of an inch. However, if the apparatus (10) is used with a golf cleat which has a greater or less of a distance between the bottom of the prongs (66) and the underbelly (64), then the thickness of the wafer (40) must be at least equal to that distance.

Moreover, the smooth bottom surface (44) of the wafer (40) can be either flat as in FIG. 2 c or convex as shown in FIG. 2 d. Furthermore, the outer edge (44 a) of the smooth bottom surface (44) can be provided with an upturned peripheral lip (45) as shown in FIG. 2 e. The peripheral lip (45) serves to cover the outer perimeter of the golf cleat, encapsulate the exposed areas of the cleat and thus can provide even greater traction reduction.

Referring now to FIG. 3 b, as with the earlier disclosed embodiments of the apparatus (10), the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 e should be used in connection with the golf cleat which is within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) of the foot. If more than one cleat lies within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) then the golfer can choose the cleat which is closest to the joint between the Proximal phalanx of the big toe.

As with the other embodiments, the wafer (40) can be made from any material which will not prevent it from serving its intended use. It could be solid plastic or made from metal. Additionally, the interior of the wafer (40) could be made of compressed felt and covered with a durable lamenent which could provide both the smooth bottom surface (44) and the top surface (42) on which the adhesive is provided.

For people who do not generate a great deal of momentum with their swing, or for someone who is wearing golf shoes which have a particularly coarse tread on its sole in the area around the golf cleats, it might be helpful to employ a further embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10).

Referring to FIGS. 2 f and 3 c, the illustrated embodiment covers a larger portion of the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) and thus reduces traction over a larger portion of the outsole (92) than do the previously described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus (10).

In addition to a top surface (42) and a smooth bottom surface (44), the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 f also has a stabilization cavity (50) which is designed to fit over and completely envelope an existing golf cleat (60). The stabilization cavity (50) has an upper border (50 a), a lower border (50 b) and a bottom surface (50 c) on which adhesive is provided. Located at the bottom border of the stabilization cavity is a means (52) for accepting a golf cleats plurality of prongs (66). As illustrated in FIG. 2 f, the means (52) is provided by a continuous trench (47) which would be as deep as the prongs (66) are long. That is, how far they project down from the underbelly (64) of the golf cleat.

It is important that when fitted over an existing golf cleat that the apparatus (10) and the golf cleat (60) form a tight fit so that the adhesive provided on the bottom surface of the stabilization cavity comes into contact with the underbelly (64) of the golf cleat (60). Alternatively, the means (52) for accepting the plurality of prongs (66) could consist of a plurality of indentations (48) as described above in connection with the other embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 2 f, the apparatus (10) also has a extended outer portion (54) which surrounds the stabilization cavity (50). The top surface (42) of the wafer (40) is also provided with adhesive so that when fitted to a golfer's back shoe (90), the top surface (42) becomes fixed to the outsole (92) as shown in FIG. 3 c. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stabilization cavity (50) is concentrically positioned, that is it is coaxial with the outer perimeter (46) of the unitary wafer (40). The embodiment of the apparatus (10) depicted in FIGS. 2 f and 3 c should be used in connection with the cleat (60) which is within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100).

However, if there are no existing cleats within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100), then the golfer could take advantage of yet another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10).

Referring to FIG. 3 d, the apparatus can be configured so that the stabilization cavity (50) and hence the element which accepts and fixes to an existing golf cleat be positioned off center. Here the outer shape of the apparatus (10) will be elliptical or generally elongated in shape. Thus, although the cleat is not positioned in the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) a substantial portion of the smooth bottom surface (44), particularly that which is below the extended outer portion (54) will reach into the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) and accomplish traction reduction there.

In addition, although not depicted in the drawings, for those golfers who use the traditional metal spikes the apparatus (10) can be configured so that the means for accepting the plurality of prongs (52) is replaced with a hole or cavity to accept the single golf spike. This embodiment would work and would be used in the same way as the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 f, 3 c and 3 d.

Furthermore, in the event that a golfer prefers to have an entirely different set of golf shoes and does not want to retrofit the apparatus (10) to existing cleats (60), another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) can be integral with the sole of the golf shoe (90).

Referring now to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, in this form of the disclosed apparatus (10) the traction reduction element and the connecting means are integral with the outsole (92). Together they form a raised portion (80) which occupies the upper first and second metatarsal region (100). The raised portion has a smooth bottom surface (81). Additionally, the raised portion (80) has a height (H) relative to the outsole (92). As further shown in FIG. 4 a, except for in area of the upper first and second metatarsal region (100), the outsole of the golf shoe (90) is provided with a number of cleats (60). These cleats (60) project a certain distance from the bottom of the outsole and the height (H) of the raised portion (80) should be equal to the distance from which the cleats (60) project out from the outsole. This way the apparatus (10) does not cause one side of the foot to be substantially higher or lower than the other side.

Additionally, the raised portion (80) shown in FIG. 4 a fills the entire upper first and second metatarsal region (100). However, the raised portion does not have to occupy the entire space. Although not shown in the drawing figures, the raised portion (80) could be much smaller. For example, it could be configured so that it only occupies the area below the joint between the Proximal phalanx of the big toe and the first metatarsal. Additionally, in FIG. 4 b, the smooth bottom surface (81) of the raised portion (80) is depicted as being rounded or convex, however, alternatively the bottom surface (81) could be configured so that it is flat

While specific embodiments of the disclosed apparatus have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles, it will be understood that the disclosed apparatus may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a traction reduction element comprising a top surface, a smooth bottom surface and bottom edges, the traction reduction element being designed for affixation at least partially within an upper first and second metatarsal region of a golf shoe having an outsole, the golf shoe being designed to accommodate a golfer's back foot; and a connecting means positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for connecting the traction reduction element to the outsole.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is configured for use in connection with an existing cleat fitting system; the cleat fitting system comprising at least two complementary components; and the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the traction reduction element's smooth bottom surface is one of convex and flat.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the traction reduction element further comprising a height and a diameter; and the connecting means further comprising a height and a diameter.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein: the connecting means is comprised of one of a Q-fit™ system, a Q-Lok™ system, a Fast Twist system, a traditional male/female threading system and a PINS™ (Performance Insert System) cleat fitting systems; the traction reduction element comprises a height of ¼ inch and a diameter of between 1 inch and 1⅛ inches; the connecting means comprises a height of ⅛ inch and a diameter of between ⅜ inch and ⅝ inch; and the traction reduction element's smooth bottom surface further comprises two spaced apart holes for accommodating a cleat tightening tool.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the traction reduction element's smooth bottom surface is flat and the bottom edges are rounded.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the traction reduction element and connection means are comprised of a unitary wafer, the unitary wafer being designed for use in connection with an existing golf cleat, the golf cleat comprising an outer perimeter, an underbelly and a plurality of downward projecting prongs for gripping the ground, the unitary wafer comprising a top surface, a smooth bottom surface, a thickness and a means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs; wherein the connection means is comprised of the top surface of the unitary wafer provided with an adhesive for affixing the apparatus to one of the underbelly of the golf cleat and the outsole; and the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the unitary wafer comprises a thickness of greater than or equal to ⅛ inch; the unitary wafer's smooth bottom surface is flat; the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with adhesive for affixing the apparatus to the underbelly of the golf cleat; the means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs is comprised of a plurality of indentations; and the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the smooth bottom surface comprises an outer edge; and the unitary wafer further comprising an upturned peripheral lip positioned along the outer edge of the smooth bottom surface for covering the outer perimeter of the golf cleat.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein: the smooth bottom surface is convex; the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with adhesive for affixing the apparatus to the underbelly of the golf cleat; and the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, the unitary wafer further comprises an outer perimeter, a stabilization cavity and an extended outer portion surrounding the stabilization cavity, the stabilization cavity comprising an upper border, a lower border and a bottom surface which is provided with adhesive for attaching to the underbelly of the golf cleat, the stabilization cavity being designed to totally cover the existing golf cleat's underbelly and outer perimeter; and the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with adhesive for affixing the apparatus to the outsole.
 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the upper border of the stabilization cavity is concentrically positioned relative to the outer perimeter of the unitary wafer; and a means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs is positioned along the lower border of the stabilization cavity.
 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the upper border of the stabilization cavity is positioned off center relative to the outer perimeter of the unitary wafer; the smooth bottom surface of the unitary wafer being eccentric in shape; a means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs is positioned along the lower border of the stabilization cavity; and the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the means for accepting the plurality of downward projecting prongs is comprised of one of a continuous trench and a plurality of indentations; and the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with an adhesive.
 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the means for accepting the plurality of downward projecting prongs is comprised of one of a continuous trench and a plurality of indentations; and the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with an adhesive.
 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the outsole comprising a plurality of existing golf cleats projecting therefrom, the plurality of golf cleats having a height relative to the outsole; the traction reduction element and the connecting means are integral with the outsole and together comprise a raised portion comprising a height relative to the outsole which is equal to the height of the plurality of golf cleats.
 17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the raised portion fills the upper first and second metatarsal region of the golf shoe.
 18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the raised portion comprises a bottom surface that is one of flat or convex. 